New Orleans’ incoming mayor expressed concerns on Friday about the recent federal immigration crackdown, stating that the enforcement actions are causing harm and sparking public outrage over encounters between masked agents and residents. The incident involving Jacelynn Guzman, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, who was approached by federal agents while walking home from a grocery store, has drawn attention.
City officials highlighted Guzman’s case, where she was chased by masked agents until reaching her family’s home in Marrero after being approached on the sidewalk. The operation led by Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino in southeast Louisiana aims to apprehend 5,000 individuals, with limited information on arrests provided by the Department of Homeland Security. Concerns have been raised by many Hispanic residents who fear potential abuse or detention by agents, regardless of their legal status.
Mayor-elect Helena Moreno, alongside city council members and other leaders, expressed deep concerns over the federal actions, noting the negative impacts on businesses and workers. While federal authorities claim to target dangerous criminals who entered the country illegally, Moreno disputed this assertion.
Moreno called for transparent public briefings from federal agencies to provide comprehensive data on stops, detentions, charges, warrants, outcomes, and criminal histories of those detained. Guzman’s stepfather, Juan Anglin, acknowledged the agents’ duties but criticized their approach in handling the situation.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that the agents were seeking a criminal illegal alien but left when realizing Guzman was not the target. However, Anglin countered this explanation, alleging that Guzman was stopped based solely on her appearance, highlighting concerns about racial profiling in the enforcement actions.
